DOYLE, Armida nee (Guidolin)
December 15, 1930 - Drumheller, AB May 7, 2015 - Calgary, AB
It is with immense sadness that our family announces the passing of our mother, grandmother and dearest friend, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren at her bedside singing music that she loved. She now joins her beloved departed husband and best friend, Leonard, who passed away sixteen months ago, after 62 years of an extraordinary romance and exemplary love and commitment to each other. She is survived by her children, Ann, Karen (Mark), Marina (Jerry), Arlene (Kim), John (Nancy), Kevin (Aubrey), Brenda (Adrienne) and Barbara (Wayne); eleven grandchildren, David, Jaimie, Stacy, Christopher, Jordan, Lindsay, Sydney, Adam, Aidan, Ryleigh and Kyleah; as well as eight great-grandchildren. Mom was born in Drumheller, Alberta, and grew up with her sister Rena and her brother Dino, now both deceased. She trained in her youth to be an opera singer, but all of that changed when she met the love of her life, our father, and she moved to Calgary and had eight children. She also imparted to us a love of music and singing, and the neighborhood was always filled with the sound of her exquisite voice singing an aria from Puccini or something from Sound of Music while she did housework or cooked dinner. Mom was more than a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Not only did she love her husband, children and grandchildren unconditionally, she was also best friend and confidant to each one of us. She could always be counted on for insightful, nonjudgmental advice and support, no matter the circumstances. She was always there for us in each and every crisis or triumph. She taught us how to sing, how to laugh, how to love deeply and unconditionally, and how to live life to the fullest. She had remarkable warmth and charm, and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life, including strangers and the downtrodden. She made friends easily, and was intensely loyal and supportive to those lucky enough to call her a friend. She made both family and friends feel comfortable with themselves, and she taught us to love ourselves and one another, and to go out into the world to seek adventure, love and all the wonderful things the world has to offer. Her strongest and deepest desire was always to see her husband and children happy and fulfilled. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church (835 Northmount Drive N.W.) on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church (835 Northmount Drive N.W.) on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Food Bank.
